Magical World of Korcula
Korcula is a beautiful island located in Central Dalmatia, Croatia. It is surrounded by dense, dark forests, lush vineyards, and breathtaking beaches, making it feel like a utopia. The charming villages and fishing towns are nestled among the enchanting woodlands, showcasing the passage of time. If you’re looking for things to do in Korcula, here are the 11 best options. This island is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty that should not be missed. Among all the remarkable islands to visit, Korcula is undeniably one of the most enchanting.
Korčula’s Old Town is a must-visit spot when exploring the area. It's often called ' Mini-Dubrovnik ', enclosed by sturdy stone walls and on a small peninsula. This Medieval town is full of narrow alleyways, colourful flowers and quirky hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The Old Town is laid out like a fishbone, with a meticulous structure designed to protect against solid sea winds. Unlike other popular destinations like Dubrovnik and Split, Korcula’s Old Town is small, making it easy to explore and enjoy all the charming hot spots in less time.
St Mark’s Cathedral is at the heart of the Old Town. It is surrounded by Gothic-Renaissance-era architecture, including the Abbey Treasury (Opatska Riznica), once the Bishop’s Palace. The building, built in the 17th century, houses many significant artefacts, including religious paintings, pottery, and 12th-century church manuscripts.
The Town Museum (Gradski muzej), formerly the Gabrielis family’s palace, is another fascinating place to visit. It encapsulates Korcula’s rich history and is a great spot to learn more about the island's past. The Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) is another highlight, located at the southern end of the city centre. A triumphal arch frames the gate and serves as the entrance to the Old Town.
For panoramic vistas overlooking the striking scenery, climb the Revelin Tower. The Sea Gate (Primorska vrata) can be found at the west entrance of the Old Town. I'd recommend the Old Town Walking Tour with a local tour guide for a comprehensive look. With its intact architecture, narrow alleyways, traditional restaurants, and unique finds, the Old Town is one of the top things to do in Korcula. Korcula is renowned for its world-class wines that are produced from the indigenous grapevine varieties that are found exclusively on the island. For centuries, wine has been an essential part of the island's culture, and the locals take great pride in cultivating famous red and white wines.
Pošip, Korcula's most well-known white wine, is grown in the island's central region. It is a crisp and refreshing wine made from the endemic posip grape. If you're in the mood for something different, you can try Grk, a quality dry white wine produced exclusively in Lumbarda, the eastern stretch of the island. Grk is noted for its slightly bitter aftertaste and its unique history. The Greeks transferred the vines to Korcula during the 3rd and 4th centuries, and the wine is still celebrated with the Grk Wine Festival in Lumbarda during late July/early August.
Apart from Pošip and Grk, you can also try Rukatac (Marastina) and Plavac Mali for a unique taste of the island.
Visitors to Korcula can enjoy a wine-tasting tour or buy local wines and enjoy them in the privacy of their accommodation. The wine scene is one of the best things to experience in Korcula, and it is an essential part of the island's culture that wine enthusiasts shouldn't miss.
Explore the archipelago of Korcula to discover its hidden gems. After exploring the hamlets on the mainland, set sail to the surrounding archipelago. Badija and Vrnik islands are a must-visit for those who want to explore the underwater paradise. You can spend your day kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, or relaxing on the shore. Take a dip and marvel at the marine life thriving beneath the surface. You might even spot a pod of dolphins gracing the nearby shores!
Badija Island is home to a Gothic-stle 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, surrounded by lush forests and jagged mountains. The beaches are fringed by pine and oak trees, and the rocky and pebbly shorelines offer a unique experience. You can also take a half-day kayak tour of the island.
If you want to escape the crowds, take a taxi boat from Vela Luka to Proizd Island, a pristine paradise just 35 minutes away from the west coast. This secluded spot has minimal development, except for a small restaurant, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway from Korcula's main island. The untouched terrain of white rocks contrasting the turquoise water is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Adventurous souls can explore the surrounding woodlands.
To get to Proizd Island, a small boat departs daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. The boat returns at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm, and the roundtrip boat tickets cost 50 kunas. To top it off, spend some time in the port town of Vela Luka and witness the breathtaking sunset. The port setting, facing west, offers the most spectacular view of the sunset on the island!
Experience the gourmet gastronomy scene in Korcula. In addition to the stunning beaches and lush forests, the island boasts many top-quality restaurants, cafes and bars. Food enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the range of options available, from traditional Dalmatian cuisine to gourmet dishes and speciality brunch.
Eating is one of the top things to do in Korcula, and you can spend ample time devouring the delectable plates on offer. There's something for everyone, whether it's local hotspots or international restaurants. The main ingredients in traditional dishes are vegetables, fruits and fish, and some of Korcula's rich plates include dried figs, kotojata, and fish brodet, among others.
Don't miss out on the local pasta dish "Žrnovski Makaruni," which is typically prepared with beef mange, prawns, tomato sauce, pesto and seafood. If you're lucky enough to be visiting in the summer season, head to Lumbarda for the "Fishermen's Evenings" and enjoy some freshly grilled, locally caught seafood every Friday.
Korcula is also known for its exquisite olive oil, with nearly 1,000 olive farms on the island. The unique qualities of olive oil include bitter flavours, aromatic herbs, and green fruits, among other things.
For a unique experience, take a tour that includes traditional wine, food tasting, and a scenic bike ride. This tour incorporates Lumbarda's exclusive white wine, Grk, and samples of homemade sweet treats, honey, jams, and olive oil at a local hot spot. Experience the gourmet gastronomy scene in Korcula. In addition to the stunning beaches and lush forests, the island boasts many top-quality restaurants, cafes and bars. Food enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the range of options available, from traditional Dalmatian cuisine to gourmet dishes and speciality brunch.
Eating is one of the top things to do in Korcula, and you can spend ample time devouring the delectable plates on offer. There's something for everyone, whether it's local hotspots or international restaurants. The main ingredients in traditional dishes are vegetables, fruits and fish, and some of Korcula's rich plates include dried figs, kotojata, and fish brodet, among others.
Don't miss out on the local pasta dish "Žrnovski Makaruni," which is typically prepared with beef mange, prawns, tomato sauce, pesto and seafood. If you're lucky enough to be visiting in the summer season, head to Lumbarda for the "Fishermen's Evenings" and enjoy some freshly grilled, locally caught seafood every Friday.
Korcula is also known for its exquisite olive oil, with nearly 1,000 olive farms on the island. The unique qualities of olive oil include bitter flavours, aromatic herbs, and green fruits, among other things.
For a unique experience, take a tour that includes traditional wine, food tasting, and a scenic bike ride. This tour incorporates Lumbarda's exclusive white wine, Grk, and samples of homemade sweet treats, honey, jams, and olive oil at a local hot spot.
Take a moment to marvel at the magical forest surrounding Korcula, an island dotted with dense forests and a rich natural scene that makes you feel like you're in a fairytale. According to legend, when the ancient Greeks set foot on the island in the 6th century, they were amazed by the distinctive landscape. They were dumbfounded by the thick, dark forests and named the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Korčula).
You can navigate the millennia-old Mediterranean flora and get lost in the pine-dominated forests that span the whole island. In the deep inland areas, nestled within the Kočje Nature Reserve, lies some remarkable rock formations spanning over 10 acres. This protected area has unique features, from ivy-fringed trees and moss-covered dolomitic rocks to a bat-infested, jagged cave and a narrow canyon. It's a slice of nature well worth the trip.
To reach the Kočje Nature Reserve, wander 5km from the Korcula town centre and enjoy marvellous views overlooking the sea. I recommend taking a custom island tour where you can pick and choose from all the highlights and hidden gems within Korcula's natural splendour. This tour offers something for everyone, from mountain biking and hiking the heaving hilltops to kayaking and rock climbing.
Are you looking for a fantastic beach experience? Look no further than Korcula! The beach scene in Korcula is one of the best things you can do on the island. There are secluded, serene beaches and various coves to explore, so everyone can find something that suits their preferences.
The village of Lumbarda is the perfect place to find the most superb, soft sands and shallow waters. Plus, it has a range of amenities and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for families to spend a day in the sunshine.
For those who want to explore the more untouched side of Korcula, the southern stretch of the island has plenty of coves and hidden gems. This part of the island offers more privacy and needs more development.
The beach scene is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons you should visit Korcula, and if there’s one thing you should do on the island, it's to strip off and dive head-first into the water! And if you get tired of swimming, you can mix it up with activities like SUP paddleboarding, sea kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving. This is a water lover’s oasis!
If you're looking for a change of pace from sunbathing and swimming, visiting the Korcula Town Museum is a great idea. Whether you're interested in history or culture, this museum is sure to impress. It's located in the Gabrielis Palace, which features stunning 15th- and 16th-century architecture in the heart of the Old Town. The museum offers a fascinating look into Korcula's culture, history and traditional crafts, spread across four floors. One exhibit showcases the island's shipbuilding history, dating back to the 1300s and highlighting the Greeks' presence there.
While Croatia is known for its wine, Korcula also produces high-quality olive oil using local ingredients. The island's olive oil is considered one of the best in the world and has earned the Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) designation from the European Commission. There are around ten olive mills and close to a thousand olive farms on the island, making it easy to find a local producer. Visiting an olive farm is an excellent way to learn about the production process and sample different oil types. You can even take some home as a souvenir.
Korcula is a melting pot of cultural influences thanks to its long history of habitation. The island hosts various cultural events throughout the summer, from sports and gastronomy-focused events to musical and theatrical performances. You can check out Croatia's best jazz musicians at the Korkyra Jazz Festival or enjoy classical concerts at the Korkyra Baroque Festival. For something unique, catch a performance of Korcula's traditional Moreška Sword Dance, depicting a battle between the Moors and the Christians.
Hiking is a great way to explore the island and get some exercise. There are plenty of walking trails to suit all levels, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker. You can start with a leisurely walk through the Lumbarda vineyards or challenge yourself with a hike through the Kocje Nature Park lush forests in Zrnovo. Zrnovo is also an excellent escape for those looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy the local atmosphere. Kocje is around a 40-minute walk from Zrnovo town.
